Underkeep Revives Classic Dungeon Crawler Tactics on Nintendo Switch
First-person dungeon crawlers once dominated the gaming landscape, with legendary titles like Ultima, Wizardry, Dungeon Master, Eye of the Beholder, and Lands of Lore inspiring a generation of players.
While the transition to fully 3D environments led to a decline in this sub-genre's popularity, the release of Legend of Grimrock in 2012 sparked a renewed interest in classic dungeon-crawling adventures.
Today, Rake in Grass aims to rekindle that spirit with their upcoming title, Underkeep, set to bring grid movement, slow-building tension, and tactical combat to Nintendo Switch and modern platforms. Underkeep draws upon the fundamental pillars that defined early dungeon crawlers.
According to the game's official Steam page, the title “restores the essence of classic dungeon crawlers, featuring grid-based movement, deliberate pacing that builds tension, and strategic turn-based combat.” Rake in Grass’ approach ensures Underkeep remains faithful to its roots while updating the experience for today's gaming standards. Unlike their predecessors, which could sometimes feel cumbersome by modern expectations, Underkeep has been carefully designed for clarity and accessibility.
The studio promises responsive controls, contemporary visual fidelity, and convenience features that eliminate many antiquated frustrations.
Players are encouraged to gather their party, explore hand-crafted dungeons, interact with quirky characters, solve intricate puzzles, and encounter situations where thoughtful planning is as crucial as raw courage. Originally, Underkeep was slated for release in 2023.
However, Rake in Grass made the decision to delay the launch, prioritizing polish and overall quality.
In a clear and measured statement, the development team explained that while their internal date targets the first quarter of 2026, they will not make any firm commitments until confident that every aspect meets their standards for release. The anticipation surrounding Underkeep is further fueled by its retro influences and alignment with the ongoing trend of indie developers revitalizing classic genres on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
As digital storefronts like the eShop and coverage from outlets such as Indie Retro News drive audience enthusiasm, titles that blend nostalgia with modern design continue to find loyal audiences. Underkeep stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic dungeon crawlers, offering a meticulously crafted adventure on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
With its dedication to combining time-honored mechanics like grid movement and tactical combat with fresh presentation and innovative accessibility, Underkeep is poised to resonate with long-time fans and new players alike as it approaches its projected 2026 release.
While the transition to fully 3D environments led to a decline in this sub-genre's popularity, the release of Legend of Grimrock in 2012 sparked a renewed interest in classic dungeon-crawling adventures.
Today, Rake in Grass aims to rekindle that spirit with their upcoming title, Underkeep, set to bring grid movement, slow-building tension, and tactical combat to Nintendo Switch and modern platforms. Underkeep draws upon the fundamental pillars that defined early dungeon crawlers.
According to the game's official Steam page, the title “restores the essence of classic dungeon crawlers, featuring grid-based movement, deliberate pacing that builds tension, and strategic turn-based combat.” Rake in Grass’ approach ensures Underkeep remains faithful to its roots while updating the experience for today's gaming standards. Unlike their predecessors, which could sometimes feel cumbersome by modern expectations, Underkeep has been carefully designed for clarity and accessibility.
The studio promises responsive controls, contemporary visual fidelity, and convenience features that eliminate many antiquated frustrations.
Players are encouraged to gather their party, explore hand-crafted dungeons, interact with quirky characters, solve intricate puzzles, and encounter situations where thoughtful planning is as crucial as raw courage. Originally, Underkeep was slated for release in 2023.
However, Rake in Grass made the decision to delay the launch, prioritizing polish and overall quality.
In a clear and measured statement, the development team explained that while their internal date targets the first quarter of 2026, they will not make any firm commitments until confident that every aspect meets their standards for release. The anticipation surrounding Underkeep is further fueled by its retro influences and alignment with the ongoing trend of indie developers revitalizing classic genres on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
As digital storefronts like the eShop and coverage from outlets such as Indie Retro News drive audience enthusiasm, titles that blend nostalgia with modern design continue to find loyal audiences. Underkeep stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic dungeon crawlers, offering a meticulously crafted adventure on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
With its dedication to combining time-honored mechanics like grid movement and tactical combat with fresh presentation and innovative accessibility, Underkeep is poised to resonate with long-time fans and new players alike as it approaches its projected 2026 release.
